Will Wearing Glasses After Rhinoplasty Harm Your Results?
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As you prepare for your rhinoplasty surgery and recovery, you may have questions about when you’ll be able to resume exercising, sleeping on your back, and some of your other daily activities. For many patients, wearing glasses is a part of their normal routine that may need to be adjusted after rhinoplasty. Use this helpful information from board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jerry Chidester (aka Dr. Chiddy) and the acclaimed team at Jerry Chidester, M.D. Plastic & Hand Surgery in Draper, UT to better understand why you may need to avoid wearing glasses after nose surgery, when you can expect to start wearing glasses again, and what other behaviors you may need to modify during your recovery.
How does rhinoplasty work?
Rhinoplasty, or nasal surgery, can be performed using one of several different techniques and is routinely used to address cosmetic and/or functional concerns regarding the nose. These may include:
- Size of nose
- Shape of nose
- Width of nose
- Nose looks too masculine or too feminine
- Flat nose
- Crooked nose
- Bump in bridge of nose
- Hooked tip of nose
- Asymmetric nostrils
- Large nostrils
- Deviated septum
- Difficulty breathing through nose comfortably
- Snoring
- Trauma/broken nose
- Previously botched nose job
Depending on the patient’s specific concerns, goals, and nasal anatomy, Dr. Chiddy may recommend one of the following types of rhinoplasty:
- Traditional rhinoplasty
- Functional rhinoplasty
- Ethnic rhinoplasty
- Septoplasty
- Revision rhinoplasty
In the majority of cases, rhinoplasty is performed as an outpatient procedure using general anesthesia and may take up to 1 – 3 hours to complete. Based on the nature of the case, Dr. Chiddy may utilize a closed rhinoplasty approach, which involves incisions only within the nose, or an open rhinoplasty technique. While open rhinoplasty surgery does require an incision on the outside of the nose, it is extremely tiny and located at the base of the nose, just between the nostrils. This allows any resulting scar to be easily disguised or hidden altogether.
How long is rhinoplasty recovery?
In the first few days and weeks after surgery, patients can expect some level of discomfort, bruising, and swelling. On average, patients typically feel comfortable returning to light desk work about 7 – 10 days after rhinoplasty. While there will still be bruising present, which may extend beneath the eyes, makeup can be worn to help conceal it. Swelling after rhinoplasty can take several weeks to subside, with subtle, residual swelling often lasting up to 6 – 12 months. During rhinoplasty recovery, it is critical that patients follow Dr. Chiddy’s guidelines closely to minimize the risk of postoperative complications and encourage proper, complete healing. These rhinoplasty aftercare instructions may include:
- No heavy lifting, straining, or strenuous exercise
- Avoid bending over or inverting your head
- Do not submerge your nose
- Do not blow your nose
- Sleep on your back with your head slightly elevated
- Do not place any direct pressure on the nose
- Do not pull clothing directly over the nose
- Do not wear glasses, sunglasses, reading glasses, or anything else on the nasal bridge
- Take medications as directed
- Attend all follow-up appointments
Why can’t you wear glasses after rhinoplasty?
Because the nasal structures will be extremely delicate following rhinoplasty surgery, any added pressure, force, or weight can cause damage and potentially affect your final outcome. In fact, simply bending over at the waist or blowing your nose can increase pressure inside your nose, which can potentially cause discomfort, complication, or an unwanted cosmetic result.
When can I wear glasses again after nose surgery?
Dr. Chiddy fully understands the need to resume wearing glasses as soon as possible after surgery and will work with patients to determine when and how that can be safely done. In some cases, patients may be able to start wearing very lightweight glasses as soon a 1 – 2 weeks after rhinoplasty, while other men and women may need to wait 4 – 6 weeks before wearing glasses again. For patients who are uncomfortable or unable to see adequately without their glasses, Dr. Chiddy can recommend helpful products that are specifically designed to take the weight of glasses off a patient’s nose after surgery.
Seeing is believing! Discover the exciting results that are possible for you with rhinoplasty in Greater Salt Lake City, UT
Taking a short break from wearing glasses can definitely be worth the wait when it comes to getting the beautiful, natural-looking nose you’ve always wanted. To learn more about the stunning enhancements that are possible with Draper, UT rhinoplasty, call Jerry Chidester, M.D. Plastic & Hand Surgery to schedule your one-on-one consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jerry Chidester today!